Becky Eden-Green and Aisling Holmes take live music into hospital, healthcare and community settings across Yorkshire.
We are both experienced musicians with a background in education who have undertaken a Music in Healthcare apprenticeship with OPUS Music CIC, a leading authority on live music-making in healthcare establishments. We are currently working in Leeds Children's Hospital, Sheffield Children's Hospital and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals..
There are a variety of Music in Healthcare projects taking place around the country, particularly working with children and the elderly, and a growing network allows practitioners to share good practice online and at conferences.
Our projects are supported by Arts Council England, Sheffield Hospitals Charity, Leeds Cares, Artfelt, Youth Music and the Children's Heart Surgery Fund.
Sessions are responsive and flexible, tailoring musical interactions to each situation, working with individual patients at bedsides and groups in communal areas.
Over recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the impact that taking part in the arts can have on health and wellbeing.
By supplementing medicine and care, the arts can improve the health of people who experience mental or physical health problems. Engaging in the arts can promote prevention of disease and build wellbeing. The arts can improve healthcare environments and benefit staff retention and professional development.
Photo by Mary Dunsford